259 - A RARE-SHAPED SIKH HELMET WITH CHAINMAIL, 20TH CENTURY

A RARE-SHAPED SIKH HELMET WITH CHAINMAIL, 20TH CENTURY An Indian Sikh gilt-iron helmet with a chain-mail neckguard. The distinctive crested form was designed to accommodate the wearer’s uncut hair, traditionally gathered into a topknot beneath the helmet. Uncut hair, or kesh, is one of the Five Ks adopted by Sikhs in the late 17th century as an expression of religious devotion and communal identity. The steel links of the mail neckguard form a contrasting diamond pattern known as ganga jamni, traditionally associated with the mingling waters of the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers. Dimensions: H: 14 1/2 in., (36.8 cm.) Condition: Very good with light signs of wear. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All statements contained in the catalog, condition reports, invoices, advertisements, or elsewhere concerning the authorship, attribution, origin, date, age, period, culture, source, provenance, authenticity, genuineness, condition, rarity, importance, or value of any lot are statements of opinion only and shall not be construed as representations, warranties, or statements of fact. All lots are sold "as-is", refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not offer in-house shipping. We will provide a list of recommended shippers upon request.